Irene Stockton died peacefully in her daughter's home in Porterville, surrounded by family, on July 25, 2014. Irene was born on February 13, 1924 in San Diego. Growing up, she and her brother John spent many summers in Colorado with their Grandmother and extended family in the small farming town of La Jara. Irene graduated from San Diego High School in 1942 and went on to San Diego State College, graduating in 1946 with a teaching credential. She quickly found a teaching job in San Diego. It was during this time that she met a young Marine recently returned from his World War II service in the Pacific. Irene married John Stockton in 1947 and they moved north so that John could complete his education at UC Berkeley. In 1950 the young family, now including a daughter Sharon, moved to Davis. While in Davis, Irene taught school and had a second child they named John. The Stocktons remained in Davis until 1954 when they relocated to Shafter where Irene's husband assumed a research position at the Cotton Research Station. Shafter would become their permanent home where they were deeply involved in the community, their church, and various activities involving their children. Irene was lured back to teaching at Richland School where she taught first grade for many years. In 1962, a third child, Beth, was born. Sadly, Irene lost her husband to a tragic accident in 1964. With great courage she continued to care for her three children, teach school, and maintain an immaculate home. Irene also taught Sunday school and was active as a Campfire leader. During these years it seemed she never rested. She was up late at night preparing lesson plans, grading papers, or completing household tasks. Irene never wasted a second of her busy days. Irene retired from teaching in 1986. During the early years of her retirement she became even more active in church and community activities. As a charter member of the Shafter United Methodist Church, Irene served in many capacities and never turned down an opportunity to take on a new role. She was active in the Shafter Women's Club and the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. She also volunteered her time helping residents of a local Assisted Living facility. Travel was another interest and she enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and various mainland states. Finally, she spent precious time with her grandchildren. They all have special memories of their time spent with Grandma Stockton at her home on Walnut Street. In 2008, Irene accepted her daughter's invitation to move into her home in Porterville. Sharon and Beth provided loving care to our Mother for the remainder of her life. Irene was preceded in death by her parents John and Agnes Kyle, her husband John, her son-in-law Robert Fisk, and daughter-in-law Janet Stockton. She is survived by Sharon Fisk, John Stockton (Melissa), Beth Remus (Andrew), and her brother John Kyle (Lois). Also surviving are her grandchildren Michael Fisk (Lindsay), Gabe Stockton (Janie), Nick Stockton, Jill O'Brien (Joey), Sara Remus, Julia Remus, Kourtney Bennett, Matthew Bennett, and Dylan Parten, great grandchildren Cameron, Kyle, Caden, Brady, Wyatt, Wade, and Addie. An eighth great grandchild is due in January. Irene Stockton loved her family unconditionally. She was also devoted to her many friends as well as to her teaching career. She has left an incredible legacy of love to her family and all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Irene's memory to Tim Robnett Ministries, PO Box 61, North Plains, Oregon 97133 or to a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter on Saturday, August 2nd at 11:00 AM.